Once daily can fit a morning or evening routine; you do not have to add a second application. Adding toner is a choice, not an entrance fee for having a skincare routine. A toner can hydrate skin or help remove leftover makeup, which is more useful than simply giving the bathroom another bottle to accommodate.1

How should you apply toner?

  1. 1Cleanse your face before applying toner.
  2. 2Gently swipe toner over your face with a cotton round, or mist it directly if it comes as a spray. Leave it on rather than washing it off.
  3. 3Follow with moisturizer. Toner belongs after cleansing and before moisturizing.
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How often should you use an exfoliating toner?

Exfoliating toners use acids to remove dead skin cells. Every other day is a starting point for a toner with strong acids, not a requirement to keep increasing. The more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often you should do it. Reduce the frequency if your skin becomes red or irritated.12

Retinol, prescription retinoid creams and benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive or cause peeling. Adding exfoliation can worsen dryness or cause breakouts. Avoid strong exfoliation if you have darker skin or develop dark spots after skin injuries, because aggressive exfoliation can increase pigmentation. Never exfoliate sunburned skin or areas with open cuts or wounds.2

What if your skin is oily or sensitive?

For oily skin, choose a soothing toner rather than a harsh astringent. Alcohol based products can irritate skin and increase oil production, and drying out oily skin can stimulate more oil. Continue moisturizing rather than using toner to strip away every trace of oil. For sensitive skin, avoid heavily fragranced toners. Be careful when adding toner alongside prescription products, particularly if you have rosacea.13

Test a new toner before using it on your face

  1. 1Apply your normal amount to a quarter sized spot on the underside of your arm or bend of your elbow twice daily for seven to 10 days.
  2. 2Leave the toner on for its normal contact time. Watch for redness, itching or swelling.
  3. 3If there is no reaction after seven to 10 days, begin using the toner on your face at the appropriate frequency.
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If a reaction develops, gently wash the toner off and stop using it. A cool compress or petroleum jelly can help relieve symptoms. See a dermatologist if the reaction is severe and these measures do not help.4

How long does toner take to make a difference?

Visible effects usually take six weeks to three months and can be subtle. Toners aimed at acne or dark spots can take about two to three months.1

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1What Does Toner Do for Your Face? 5 Benefitshealth.clevelandclinic.org
  2. 2How to safely exfoliate at homeaad.org
  3. 38 Tips To Get Rid of Oily Skinhealth.clevelandclinic.org
  4. 4How to test skin care productsaad.org